California Budget Crisis Leaves It A Bit Less Pet Friendly

It appears the Governator looked back to his Terminator days for insight in closing part of California's $26 billion budget gap. While the state continues to fight about whether or not to unleash tens of thousands of prisoners on its more law abiding citizens, stray animals are getting the opposite treatment and being "dealt with" quicker to keep costs at shelters under control.

The recent budget compromise between Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and legislative leaders to reduce a $26 billion deficit included a provision that reduces the mandatory holding period for stray animals from six days to three days.

So the next time your dog takes off and you're deciding between chasing after him or just waiting until he returns, remember the phrase 'I'll be back' becomes less applicable for him with each passing minute.Budget crisis cuts holding time at pet shelters [SF Chronicle]